Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for fabricating a skating ring. One such apparatus is a curved element for skating rings which includes a plurality of vertical sup5 ports which are adapted to any curve shape. The apparatus further includes a plurality of horizontally arranged ribs and abutting double-curved shell segments made of several plane-like wood layers which are glued to each other. By being fixed to the support elements and ribs, the shell segments form a skating surface to be ridden on by skaters or the like. The shell segments are pre-shaped as at least one of single- or double-curves such that they can be fixed essentially stress-free onto the support elements and ribs. One method of the present invention includes a method for manufacturing shell segments for curve elements for skating rings. The shell segments include a plurality of plane-like layers of wood.

Abstract: The invention discloses an amusement park comprising an elevated wooden racetrack built in combination with another park activity. The combination comprises a wooden racetrack surface extending along at least one portion elevated above ground level, and a support frame comprising a plurality of vertical supports connected to support the elevated portion above ground level, and another park facility constructed at least partially below the elevated portion of the racetrack to thereby conserve space in the amusement park. The combination includes a go-kart as the motorized amusement vehicle. The park facility constructed below the racetrack is selected from an amusement ride, a building, and a parking lot, the amusement ride being particularly a boat ride having bumper boats. An amusement ride includes a second racetrack operated at least partially below an elevated portion of the first racetrack, and sharing a pit area therewith.

Abstract: A method of playing a game on a rink including a center planar playing surface surrounded by end and side boards. Two goals are provided opposite to one another on the planar playing surface. Each player utilizes a modified lacrosse stick used to manipulate a ball into the opponent's goal. Unlike, lacrosse, the ball may be rolled on the ground as in hockey, although the main movement of the ball will be airborne from net to net. Passing maneuvers are caught, carried, rolled or thrown.

Abstract: A miniature roll-up halfpipe for use with fingerboards or miniature skateboards includes a pair of sideframes configurable in either a collapsed compact configuration or an extended open configuration. A pair of platforms join the end portions of the sideframes to form a generally rectangular structure having a pair of upwardly open curved edges. A flexible resilient sheet is received upon the supporting frame to form a curved surface of the type frequently used by skateboarder's or the like. In the closed configuration, the flexible sheet is rolled into a cylindrical shape and encloses the collapsed siderails and platform elements. A pair of generally cylindrical endcaps are received upon the opposed ends of the rolled sheet to provide closure and secure attachment thereof.

Abstract: A track-mounted ride powered by compressed gas injected either into a tube surrounding the vehicle of the ride or into a housing having a piston connected to a catch that removably engages the vehicle. The track can be an open course or a closed course. Braking is accomplished either by braking systems traditionally utilized in the art of track-mounted amusement rides or by using a tube which the vehicle enters and in which the vehicle compresses air to produce pneumatic braking.

Abstract: A modified football game requires that players wear in-line skates and the field has a flat surface area having a substantially rectangular shape with two straight long sides and two second convexly curved short sides, a partial circular concavely curved second surface area bounding the first area and having a lower edge and an upper edge, the lower edge being contiguous with the edge of the first flat surface area, and the upper edge being remote from the flat surface area, and an upper flat lip surface area extending around the curved second surface area contiguous with its upper edge, and lines defining end zones proximate each of the second curved short sides of the flat surface area, each end zone having a flat surface area portion and a curved surface area portion of the curved second surface. The players skate on the flat area, the curved area and the lip.

Abstract: A body has a substantially flat and very smooth support surface having a plurality of holes therein which intersect the support surface to form sharp edges around the holes. Connectors are provided on the sides of the body for connecting similar bodies to one another. A plurality of projections extend outwardly from the surface to enhance the glide properties of inline hockey pucks. The projections have a base dimension at the support surface in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm and extend outwardly from the surface a distance in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.6 mm. The projections are spaced from one another a distance in the range of about 3 mm to about 10 mm, and the density of projections per square centimeter of the support surface is in the range of about 1 to about 9.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ramp having an underlying supporting structure and a ramp section having a unitary riding surface. The supporting structure includes a pair of side frames of similar shape. The two side frames are connected together by a plurality of crossbraces to form a supporting structure with an upper supporting surface generally having a desired shape of the finished ramp. It is generally flat and constructed to have enough flexibility to conform to the upper supporting surface of the supporting structure to provide the desired ramp shape while having enough stiffness to properly support the rider. The supporting frames are each provided with at least two locating tabs that project above the upper supporting surface of the supporting structure to engage corresponding notches in the ramp section.

Abstract: A method of playing a game on a rink including a center planar playing surface surrounded by a ramped area which in turn is surrounded by an upper platform area. Two goals are provided opposite to one another on the planar playing surface. Each player utilizes a modified lacrosse stick used to manipulate a ball into the opponent's goal. Unlike, lacrosse, the ball may be rolled on the ground as in hockey, although the main movement of the ball will be airborne from net to net. Passing maneuvers are caught, carried, rolled or thrown.

Abstract: A molded plastic ramp is made in a one-step molding process. The ramp includes reinforced side and rear walls and a smooth radiused ramp surface. The ramp includes laterally extending side and rear supports that engage a ground surface and the forward portion of the ramp surface extends forward of the forward extent of the side supports.

Abstract: An inline floor hockey playing surface including a substantially horizontal planar main playing surface provided with a goal or net close to either end of the playing surface and opposite thereto. A ramped half-pipe surface surrounds the horizontal planar surface. An upper deck platform surrounds the top of the ramped half-pipe surface. Side walls and end walls enclose the upper deck platform. Players can utilize both the ramped half-pipe surface as well as the upper deck platform surface during game competitions.

Abstract: An amusement ride comprises a wheeled, multiple-seat cart or vehicle that is adapted to descend an inclined track having an upwardly curved launching portion, in a manner to launch the vehicle temporarily airborne in a trajectory similar to that of a ski jumper. The descent angle and upwardly curved launching portion of the track are very similar to a ski jump track. The vehicle is rollingly tethered to a pair of guy wires positioned on either side of the track and at a level relative to the track launch area to permit the vehicle to be launched temporarily airborne and fall freely without interference or restriction by the tethers. As gravity causes the vehicle to free fall, the tethers become taut with the guy wires, catch the vehicle in free-fall, and glide the vehicle along a pre-determined descent down the guy wires toward twin laterally spaced poles or towers at the end of the ride, each pole or tower connected to a respective guy wire.

Abstract: A children's slide has an elongated trough supported in an inclined position. The trough includes side walls which not only help to guide children down the slide, but also define inclined raceways for toy cars or the like which children can race down the slide.

Abstract: A modular series of square or tubular rails are joined to together by rigid or flexible connectors to provide a playing surface in-line skates and skateboards. The rails are separated from the earth or other surface by support columns. The rails themselves can be straight, curved, or can be equipped with a number of bends. Single column supports are preferred for permanent installations where the column can be bolted onto a surface or can be partially buried in the earth. Dual-column supports that form a triangular pattern that enable the rails system to be portable, yet allows skaters to impart horizontal as well as vertical loads on the rails safetly. Both columns allow the use of tubular or rectangular rails. Joints between the rail may be flexible to allow a broader range of skating maneuvers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable and expandable track or velodrome 10 for racing bicycles indoors and outdoors. The portable velodrome 10 includes a support structure network 18 that circumscribes an infield area 12 and a plurality of modular track surface sections 30 removably mounted on the support structure network 18 to form a banked track 22 having a racing surface. The modular track sections 30 are mounted on the support structure network 18 with track section mounting elements that do not interrupt the racing surface. The portable velodrome 10 further includes a substantially horizontal track section 28 extending from a bottom of the banked track 22 toward the infield area 12, and a transition surface between the banked track 22 and the horizontal track 28.

Abstract: A race track is disclosed having a tri-oval banked, racing surface surrounded by a barrier support material delineating a race barrier support surface at a level below the racing surface. A plurality of barrier modules are mounted on the support surface in longitudinally aligned relationship to delineate two crash barrier rings circumscribing the racing surface. Each of the modules includes a base mounted on the barrier support surface with the inner ring in juxtaposed relationship with the racing surface. Each base includes a top surface substantially in elevational alignment with a perimetral portion of the racing surface. Each module includes a vehicle impact energy absorbing means mounted on and connected to its base for cushioning energy absorption upon impact by an out of control race vehicle; and, each module base and a portion of the barrier support material upon which that module is mounted together forming a further vehicle energy absorbing means.

Abstract: A collapsible ramp for providing aerial lift for inline skates, skateboards, bicycles and the like made of at least two lateral sections which are attached wherein the sections include a base for engaging the ground, bracing for support and a riding surface, The leading section has an incline from the ground level and the final section has an incline to a launch height.

Abstract: A portable halfpipe and method for quickly constructing the same is disclosed. The portable halfpipe includes a left arcuate module, a right arcuate module, and preferably, an intermediate planar module therebetween. Quick release connectors are used between the modules to allow the modules to be quickly connected and disconnected. Ideally, the quick release connector is a rotolock which includes a male portion having a rotatably mounted hook therein and a receiving post mounted in a cooperating female portion. The male and female portions are affixed in modules to be joined together. The engagement of the hook with the receiving post causes the modules to abut and clamp together. The method includes abutting modules together and rotating hooks to grasp receiving members thereby clamping the modules together.

Abstract: A water jump course comprises a jump slope, a boat and a water tank. The boat has front wheels and rear wheels with different gauges. In the lift-off zone of the jump slope, the rolling surface for the rear wheels is curved less markedly upwards than the rolling surface for the front wheels. Alternatively, the wheels may be of the same gauge and the rolling surface for the wheels at the jump slope lower end is movable in the vertical direction. An air cushion may also be provided in the landing area of the boat.

Abstract: Provided is a track of elongated sections which interlock together to form various desired shaped. Each section has a safety securement device consisting of a "T"-bar slot (12) in its center. A rigid "T"-bar (16) is connected with a hook-end-loop strip (17) to the rear of a child's ride-on, toy vehicle. The "T"-bar (16) cooperates with the "T"-bar slot (12) to allow controlled movement of the toy vehicle along the track. The track may also be provided with raised, bumper guards along its edges to aid in keeping the child's vehicle within the confines of the track.